MEDIA RELEASE : OIL AND GAS WORKERS RESPOND TO ALBERTA BUDGET

Robbie Jarvis
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MEDIA RELEASE : OIL AND GAS WORKERS RESPOND TO ALBERTA BUDGET

OIL AND GAS WORKERS RESPOND TO ALBERTA BUDGET: POSITIVE STEPS ON TRAINING AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 18, 2016

 

CALGARY, ALBERTA — A group of oilsands workers called Iron & Earth is applauding moves by the Alberta provincial government to increase training and employment transition opportunities in the energy sector.

 

"The Alberta government's new budget contains some very positive first steps to help oilsands workers find new opportunities in Canada's growing renewable energy sector," said Joe Bacsu, who is a member of Iron & Earth and currently works as a boilermaker in the oilsands.

 

Iron & Earth are highlighting four items contained from Alberta's 2016-17 budget that are particularly positive for workers:

 

  • $3.4 billion will be invested in large-scale renewable energy projects and technologies that have significant job-creation potential

  • $25 million will be invested directly into new apprenticeship and training opportunities

  • $25 million will be invested in startups that can create jobs in areas like clean energy and clean technology

  • Communities that will be affected by the coal phase-out will get direct support, including a commitment to train workers and help them transition into other areas of the economy

 

“This budget is a big step forward towards creating renewable energy jobs in the province, and now we need the details," said Bascu. “We are hoping the government will use this budget to get some of our out-of-work members into training programs, and into renewable energy jobs.”

 

Iron & Earth was created in the spring of 2015 as oil prices were falling and oilsands workers were struggling to find employment. The group is committed to building Canada's energy future while finding good, stable employment for oilsands workers. Its membership includes a variety of industrial trades, including boilermakers, electricians, pipefitters, ironworkers and labourers.

 

Members of Iron & Earth are available to the media for interviews about their organization and to discuss the Alberta provincial budget.

 

Visit Iron & Earth's website athttp://www.ironandearth.org

 

Iron & Earth was founded and operates on Indigenous land within Treaty Six Territory and Métis Region 4 in amiskwaciy-wâskahikan (in Nehiyawewin/Cree), so-called Edmonton. The home of many Indigenous Peoples including the Nehiyawak/Cree, Tsuut’ina, Niitsitapi/Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Haudenosaunee/Iroquois, Dene Suliné, Anishinaabe/Ojibway/Saulteaux, and the Inuk/Inuit.

We pay our respects to all Indigenous Peoples of this land. Through their spiritual and practical relationships with the land, a rich heritage for our learning and our life as a community has been created and maintained. We recognize that the transition to a low-carbon future must be led by Indigenous Peoples and that there will be no justice unless we acknowledge and repair our relationship with the land.

We are committed to responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and upholding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and acknowledge that we are always learning and unlearning practices that minimize harm and lead to the development of trust between us and Indigenous Peoples across Nations and urban centers.

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